June 24: 2Kings 11,12; 2Chronicles 24; 1Timothy 6

Scripture: 1Timothy (NIV) 6:15 …God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.

Observation: At the end of his first letter to Timothy, Paul writes this description of God—of God who is beyond description. He far surpasses our limited vocabulary and understanding. He is completely THE GOOD! He is the ultimate Ruler. His laws are both loving and just; they are supreme. All earthly kings bow their knee to His MAJESTY. All earthly lords acknowledge His supreme authority. Death will never overcome him. Darkness is destroyed in his presence. Human eyes cannot catch the light rays that shine from him.

Application: To serve such a God is indeed an honor. He does not need my service as He is more than capable of accomplishing anything He decrees. Yet He depends on me because He loves me. He makes a way for me to be a part of His plan. Partnering with Him in serving others is a way I can return the love he gives me. He allows me to represent Him!

Prayer: Lord, my vocabulary is so limited, so I use this word just for you: AWESOME! Thank you for loving me and including me. Thank you for giving me a part in what you are doing here on planet earth. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!

Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer

June 23: 2Kings 10; 2Chronicles 22,23; 1Timothy 5

Scripture: 2Chronicles (NIV) 22:3 He (King Ahaziah) too walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother encouraged him in doing wrong.
2Chronicles (NIV) 23:8 The Levites and all the men of Judah did just as Jehoiada the priest ordered… 16 Jehoiada then made a covenant that he and the people and the king would be the LORD’s people.

Observation: In these verses we have two very powerful people. Neither had the authority of a king, but both had the power of influence. Both used their influence to change the affairs of the nation.

Application: In places where I do not have any power of authority, I often have some power of influence. I need to carefully use my influence to glorify God.

Prayer: Lord, may I use my influence today to encourage someone to live for you. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!

Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer

June 22: 2Kings 8,9; 2Chronicles 21; 1Timothy 4

Scripture: 1Timothy (NIV) 4:8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

Observation: While physical training has some value, having a nature that is like God has value in all things. A holy and loving nature makes interaction with people and life in general much more pleasing.

Application: There is nothing in my life that will not improve if I become more like God in my thinking, attitude and choices. There is no relationship that will not benefit—at home, at work, at school, with my neighbors. Of course there is no hope for me to be perfectly like Jesus; Jesus must live in me and be Himself in me. His life in me benefits me in this present life and guarantees my place in eternity.

Prayer: Lord, there are many things that I may do to improve my life, but there is nothing that has more value than letting you live your life in me. Jesus, be Jesus in me! Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!

Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer

June 21: 2Kings 6,7; 2Chronicles 20; 1Timothy 3

Scripture: 2Chronicles (NIV) 20:1-30, verse 21 After consulting with the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever.”

Observation: From my understanding of military parades, it is when the victorious army returns home that the band is out front with the music. I have never seen a band lead out in marching to meet the enemy. But this was not just King Jehoshaphat’s idea, it was done in consultation with the people! It was a crazy idea, but everyone was in agreement. They had all heard the message the Lord had spoken to them the day before. God had promised that they would not have to fight; they would only have to look and see God’s great deliverance! (verse 17)

Application: It is good to be in the place where God’s people gather. It is good to hear what God is saying to his people. It is good to respond to His word. When I hear what He is saying, what may at first seem very illogical can become very logical! Not every problem I face will be handled by God without my involvement, but in every problem I face, He will be with me! Sometimes I have to just take my position, stand firm and watch God at work! (verse 17)

Prayer: Lord, what a blessing to have your with me as I face the challenges of life. You are more than enough for all my needs! Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!

Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer

June 20: 2Kings 4,5; Psalm 83; 1Timothy 2

Scripture: Psalm (NIV) 83:1 O God, do not keep silent; be not quiet, O God, be not still.
2 See how your enemies are astir, how your foes rear their heads.
3 With cunning they conspire against your people; they plot against those you cherish.
4 “Come,” they say, “let us destroy them as a nation, that the name of Israel be remembered no more.”

Observation: 3,500 years ago Israel was living in the same land where they live today. The nations around them were saying the same thing they are saying today. Israel reads from the same scriptures today as then. Israel has the same promises today as then. I believe the same God who preserved them then will preserve them now.

Application: How encouraging this is to me!! Israel’s Faithful God is my Faithful God! And since I have accepted the One He sent to be the payment for my sins, I have even more reason to trust His Faithfulness!

Prayer: Lord, not only to Israel, but also to me have you proved yourself to be faithful! It is my joy to be your child, your son, your friend, your servant. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!

Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer

June 19: 2Kings 1-3; Psalm 82; 1Timothy 1

Scripture: 1Timothy (NIV) 1:15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.
16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.
17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Observation: Paul here gives the purpose of for Christ’s coming to earth—to save sinners. He sees himself as having been the worst of sinners, which makes him such a great example. People will say, “If God would save Paul, God will save anyone! In reviewing what God has done for him, Paul ends this section with high praise.

Application: In reviewing what God has done for me, I too can give unceasing honor and glory to the King whose life is never ending, who overcomes death and who is present even when not seen! He alone in God!

Prayer: Lord God, You are amazing! You are far beyond comprehension. You are too glorious for words! I offer you my life to be used as an example of what you can do for other. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!

Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer

June 18: 1Kings 22; 2Chronicles 18,19; Colossians 4

Scripture: 2Chronicles (NIV) 19:5 He (King Jehoshaphat) appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah. 6 He told them, “Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for mere mortals but for the LORD, who is with you whenever you give a verdict. 7 Now let the fear of the LORD be on you. Judge carefully, for with the LORD our there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”

Observation: How great it would be if all of our judges would carry out their duties under the guidelines set down in these verses. How much greater it would be if every one of us would live our lives carefully for the Lord because we are living for the Lord, knowing he is with us in all we do. We all have many decisions and judgments to make every day. A major part of maturing is learning how to judge and make good decisions.

Application: May I live carefully in the fear of the LORD, making my daily judgments about those around me knowing that with the LORD there is no injustice or partiality or bribery. I want the LORD’s rightness and fairness to be seen in me.

Prayer: Lord, today I want to make decisions that honor you and that prove how great you are and prove that you are with me. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!

Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer

June 17: 1Kings 20-21; 2Chronicles 17; Colossians 3

Scripture: Colossians (NIV) 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
3:23, 24 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters…It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Observation: It is not uncommon for people to honor family or friends, maybe someone who has died, by giving a donation in their name. They give to a cause that was meaningful to their friend. They want their friend to get the credit or honor for the gift.

Application: When I do something, or say something, in the name of Jesus, I am doing it as though he would be doing it or saying it. I want him to get the credit. I am working for his benefit and pleasure. EVERYTHING I do is for Him!

Prayer: Lord, you are the reason I live. I want you to get the credit for everything I do and say. My life is for your benefit. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!

Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer

June 16: 1Kings 17-19; Colossians 2

Scripture: Colossians (NIV)2:9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.

Observation: Every characteristic that qualifies as “Goddness” can be found in Jesus. Nothing is lacking! No one could possibly be more “God” than Jesus. He is just as “God” as the Father and the Holy Spirit. Only in Christ can man reach the fullness God intended when He created man. We were made to share fellowship with God and apart from Him, we will always be empty. Even when our lives are filled with other people and things, they will still be short of their intended design.

Application: Only in Christ can I reach the fullness God intended for me. Nothing will satisfy if not in its proper relationship to Christ within my life.

Prayer: Lord, place all the things in my life in their proper order. May my life find its fullness in fulfilling your design for me. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!

Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer

June 15: 1Kings 16; 2Chronicles 15,16; Colossians 1

Scripture: Colossians (NIV) 1:21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior.
22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation–
23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel.

Observation: What a thought—free from accusation! The accusations of the devil have no power. They cannot stick to the blood Jesus shed on the cross. The cost of my past “evil behavior” has been sufficiently covered.

Application: I was guilty—so guilty that I could not deny it. But when I accepted the death of Jesus on the cross as the payment for my sins, the payment so completely covered my sins that I even become “free from accusation!” Of course, I must continue in my faith.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for abundantly providing for my total forgiveness. In you I am even free from accusation! Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!